Seat Patterns

[Seat Patterns]

Ron and Ron,

Thanks for the comments. I have my seat formed and ready to glue down, but I think I am going to make a paper pattern. Then I can compare the two before I glue it in. Maybe I'll learn something. I have only built swell fork saddles. It would be interesting to see if people think one method is better suited for this style. Unless really pressed to change, I probably won't.

Randy

[Seat Patterns]

In Jeremiah Watt's DVD, he cuts his seat pattern while fitting it to the tree. Makes the pattern on the left and transfers it to the right.

In Harry Adams' book, he makes a paper pattern on the saddle and uses it to cut the seat.

I have been using JW's method. Which method do you use? What are the pros/cons of each method?

Thanks,

Randy

[Saddle #3 Completed]

Ron,

Nice clean looking saddle. As usual, I like your tooling. That looks like a meticulous job to keep the flower spacing as well as you did. I made some seat templates from a couple saddles that I like. I am hoping they will give me a little more guidance in the future.

When are you starting on #4?

Randy

[First Sewing Machine]

Thanks for all the comments and suggestions. The Cowboy 4500 and Cobra 4 both have optional accessories. Any thoughts on these? They seem reasonably priced for everything that's included, but I don't want to buy a bunch of stuff that I don't need. 

Thanks,

Randy

[First Sewing Machine]

Yetibelle and Big Sioux,

Thanks for the comments. That's the type of information I am needing.

Randy

 

[First Sewing Machine]

I am getting really close to taking the plunge and purchasing a sewing machine. Thus I am looking for some advice on features. I don't want to start a debate on pros/cons of manufacturers, I just want to know the right questions to ask.

I am making saddles (working on the 5th) and tack mostly, but may use it for other items that I didn't want to make because I have been hand sewing everything. I am guessing that the thickest item I plan to sew is saddle skirts. It seems to me that 1/2" of clearance is not enough, but I just don't know. What about arm length/diameter? Needle and thread size is something I have not studied. Are there any upgrades or extras that I should consider?

Any advice is appreciated.

Randy

[Third Saddle]

Ron,

Nice rig. Clean and balanced. I am glad to see you are finding time to work on saddles. If I remember correctly, this one has been in the works for a while.

Randy

[Saddle #4 done]

Josh,

Congrats on getting another one completed. I share your agony on the mistakes. It's tough to let some go when you know it could be better. I just ordered more leather for a swell cover that I couldn't live with. Thanks for sharing. I like looking at other folks work.

Randy

[Split the bottom of twisted stirrup leathers?]

John,

If I had a splitter, I would take it down to about 10 oz. However that's just a gut feeling on my part as I have no experience other than twisting 13/15 oz stirrup leathers.

Randy

[Howard Council Trees]

Thanks Denise, I hope things are going well up north.

Randy

[Howard Council Trees]

No one has a story to share?

[Created my first tooling pattern...]

This is just my opinion and I am certainly not an expert. First, I think your pattern is too wide for the belt. The flowers run into the border. While you could probably make that work, they look crowded to me. Personally, I like the swirling flow that is typical of Sheridan tooling. Your design has 'hints' of that style, but it is also kind of linear. My suggestion is to consider the individual elements (leaves, scrolls, flowers, etc.) and how they flow together.

Just my opinion. Take it for what it cost you.

Randy

[Replacing Breast Collar Dee]

John,

I replaced the dee in its original position. I cut a small slot in the fleece (synthetic) just large enough to let me work. It was less than an inch. This allowed me to get the old rivet out and gave me enough room to work on the new one. Then I used some contact cement to glue the fleece to the skirt. I thought about sewing the fleece, but figured it wouldn't really help anyway. It was a pretty simple job.

Randy

[Howard Council Trees]

I am starting to build a saddle on a Howard Council tree from Quality Mfg. I have researched Mr. Council a little, but am interested in learning more. Any information is appreciated, but of particular interest are his trees. Most of the ropers who have one of his saddles are very complimentary of it's fit and function. Does anyone know if he built his own trees? It looks like there is a Quality tree in the background of a video about him. Thanks in advance,

Randy

[new half seat]

Well done. It looks fantastic.

Randy

[Another building a drawdown stand thread]

That looks nice. I think you'll like the shorter one also.

Randy

[Oak Leaf Design]

Thanks Bob. That makes more sense. One more thing to learn.

CaptQuirk, Yes I built the saddle. There are more pictures in the saddle gallery under "Small Ranch Saddle." 

Randy

[Oak Leaf Design]

Bob,

Thanks for the suggestion, but I don't quite understand it. What do you mean by halo? Can you attempt to clarify? Thanks,

Randy

[Oak Leaf Design]

Both sides are wrinkled the same, so it's balanced. Thanks for the comments.

[Small Ranch Saddle]

Thanks Billy,

My buddy picked up the saddle today. I can't wait to see pictures of his grandkids riding pasture with him.

Randy

[Small Ranch Saddle]

Thanks Ron. I need to buy a sewing machine.

Good point Oltoot. I suppose I was being generous with the term.

Randy

[Small Ranch Saddle]

I rebuilt (used the tree) this saddle for a friend. He had a worn out saddle and wanted a little ranch saddle for his grandkids. The seat is 11" and he made the stainless steel stirrups for the saddle. He also wanted a basket weave, but I talked him into letting me add the oak leaves.

Let me know what you think.

Randy

More pics

[Oak Leaf Design]

It's not floral, but I would entertain comments or critiques.

Randy

[Attaching Bit to Bridle]

Ron,

Thanks for sharing. I've been thinking about something like the first two. That gives me some great ideas. 

Randy

[Attaching Bit to Bridle]

I'm looking for some creative ways to attach the bit to a headstall. I don't want to use Chicago screws. I like the looks of this blood knot, but I don't think it will work on my next headstall. I dreamed up this choice, which is just a piece of latigo with a small hole punched through one end. I don't know if it beats tying a knot in it. Any ideas or examples of other options? Thanks,

Randy